Georgia's 3 QB contenders starting over under Schottenheimer

ATHENS, Ga. (AP) The challenge of learning new offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer's playbook has evened Georgia's three-man quarterback competition.

Brice Ramsey, Faton Bauta and Jacob Park have been given equal chances to win the job in spring practice. The three are trading days with the starters as Schottenheimer installs his offense.

Schottenheimer, the former St. Louis Rams offensive coordinator, said when hired in January he would try to simplify the transition by saving as much terminology as possible from Georgia's old offense. Instead, the three quarterbacks say they feel they are starting over.

Ramsey was the top backup to 2014 senior starter Hutson Mason. Ramsey played in eight games and under normal conditions would have had a big advantage in the competition.

That changed when former offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Mike Bobo was hired as Colorado State's coach.

''It's back to square one,'' Ramsey said Tuesday, adding the change came just as he felt he had learned Bobo's offense.

''I had just felt comfortable with the playbook right when Bobo left,'' Ramsey said. ''I was like `Yes, I've got it.' Sure enough, I'm into a new system.''

Ramsey said learning the new terminology is ''a huge thing'' in the quarterback derby.

The change from Bobo to Schottenheimer could be good for Park, who impressed teammates as last year's scout-team quarterback. Instead of starting spring behind Ramsey and Bauta, Park is taking snaps with the first-team offense every third day.

Asked what has changed from last season, when he was redshirted as a freshman, Park said ''Knowing I've got a shot.''

Park (6-4, 202) earned compliments last year with his skills as a runner on the scout team, when he regularly played against the defensive starters.

Outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins described Park as ''a shifty cat'' due to his quickness. Added Jenkins: ''I'd definitely say he's the fastest'' of the quarterbacks.

Park said he was in survival mode on the scout team.

''I didn't really have good protection on the scout team last year,'' Park said. ''I didn't really trust my protection and so I tended to scramble out of the pocket a lot.''

Park said his goal this spring is to prove he can play under control in the pocket and hold his own in comparisons with Ramsey and Bauta as a passer.

''That's definitely been my biggest emphasis, sitting in the pocket,'' Park said. ''That's what I've been working on the most.''

Added Park: ''Sitting in the pocket and throwing the ball is the name of the game. That's what we're all trying to do. "

Park also opened eyes with his leadership last year.

''I just like playing the game,'' he said. ''I've got a lot of passion for what I do. People tend to follow people that get excited and want to play.''

Coach Mark Richt may not name a starter this spring.

Based on the current rotation, Ramsey is scheduled to take his turn with the first-team offense in the Bulldogs' first scrimmage on Saturday.

Ramsey (6-3, 216), a sophomore known for his strong arm, completed 24 of 39 passes for 333 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions last year.

Bauta (6-3, 218) played in three games last season, completing 4 of 5 passes for 48 yards. As a junior, he has the most years in the program of the three.

''I just look at it like I'm a freshman learning a whole new playbook,'' Bauta said. ''We're all starting from zero.''

---

Follow Charles Odum on Twitter at www.twitter.com/CharlesOdum